Friday, April 27, 2012

Last weekend, we received an email from Fred, one of Joe's out-of-town grad school classmates. Another local, Jane, was copied. (No, those aren't their real names. Give me a break.)

"Hi Joe and Jane! I waited until last-minute to book a hotel for the reunion next weekend and I'm having trouble finding one. Any chance either of you could do me a huge favor and let me crash with you for the two nights? I'd be indebted forever!"

Joe checked with me (because he values his life) and I said it was fine so he replied with a yes. At the same time, the other potential host replied with a yes. Fred's response?

"Guess you'll have to arm wrestle and get back to me with the winner!"

Haha, right? So silly, that Fred! Several days went by and Joe emailed Fred again to see if he'd decided where to stay. The response?

"I feel like I'm in an awkward position with the two of you making me choose. Maybe you can sort it out and get back to me."

How in the world did this go from doing him a favor by hosting in our homes to us fighting for the honor of his presence? No, *I* want to clean my house so it's guest-ready! Pick me, pick me!!! I just don't think that's how things are supposed to work. Or am I wrong?

In the end, (based on a bunch of things I didn't bother asking about) he chose to stay with Jane and her husband. Probably just as well since Tonya-cat has started bitch-slapping anyone that dares go upstairs at our place.

In a related story, little old me, along with my creative spirit and fledgling freelance career, will be spending time at Joe's reunion this weekend. It will be a crowd of business school alumni with their fancy degrees and high-powered jobs. I'm totally feeling like I'll fit right in! (notsomuch) Actually, I've gained some confidence recently so I'm looking at it as a challenge rather than an opportunity to freak out.

Fred would drive me bonkers. I wouldn't have wanted him staying at my house, and Tonya would be right to smack him, methinks. I hope the reunion won't be too touch. I end up having to go to Ole Boy's Office Christmas parties every year...and well...I'd rather not.

I'm with you; that's not how it works. Fred should have decided for himself from a start. If he'd said something like, "I feel like I'm in an awkward position here; I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. But I've decided to stay with Jane. Please don't be offended that I picked her over you." Well, then fair enough. But to make the hosts decide? *Shakes head*

Good luck at the reuinion. And remember; they may have fancy bits of paper, but you have plenty of achievements of your own. And, hey, I bet at least most of the rest of them couldn't even write a book, let alone be in the process of organizing the publication of one! Not to mention the fact that plenty of people couldn't deal with the emotional issues you've had to deal with. Hold your head up high, and remember... You rock!"

About Me

It's a blog. I'll probably write stuff in it.
Me, I'm married, no kids, two cats, one boring job. My life isn't that exciting so I like to complicate things with overthinking, health issues, and anxiety attacks. I also enjoy reading, writing, travel (if I could control the anxiety attacks), wine, hockey, and music. And long walks on the beach. And a sugar daddy.